Dear OTSC Families,

Good news. Spring is on the way. As the snow melts and the warmth of the sun returns, it is time to put the snow boots away and get ready to lace up the cleats.

Here at Old Town, we have been hard at work preparing for the Spring 2026 season. We are excited to welcome everyone back, along with our new U8 girls and U9 boys teams, for another season filled with memories, fun, friendship, and growth.

This spring we are proud to field 11 teams:(150 players)

U8 boys and girls, U9 boys, U10 girls, U12 boys and girls, U13 boys, U15 boys and girls, and U17 boys and girls.

Many of our players took advantage of winter training sessions at the Chieftain Center, which proved to be a great success and has positioned our teams well as we enter the outdoor season.

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Coaching Development and Curriculum

Our coaches continue to invest in their own development. Many will be attending the OSSCA State Coaching Clinic, several have completed their Grassroots Coaching Course, and Coach John has completed his NCAA Personal Trainer certification.

Our Director of Coaching, Ian Riddlebarger, has been working diligently to enhance and refine our club curriculum. Coaches will gather for a preseason meeting to review these updates and align on our developmental approach. Any parents interested in reading our curriculum are encouraged to let us know. Knowledge and understanding are key to success.

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Spring Showcase

We will host our seasonal Spring Showcase with LSSA on March 15th at Logan High School Stadium. This is always a great event for players and families and a wonderful way to begin the season.

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Our Club Philosophy

As we begin this season, please remember that we are one club and one team. Your role as parents is critical to a successful environment. Stay positive. Trust the club. Trust the process.

Our focus is the development of all players, not just as soccer players, but as well rounded, healthy, confident individuals. Development takes time.

At Old Town, we teach possession soccer. This style of play focuses on controlling the ball in order to control the game. Rather than forcing quick, risky plays forward, we value patience, intelligent passing, movement off the ball, and creating quality opportunities.

Possession soccer teaches players to think. It emphasizes first touch, awareness, spacing, communication, and teamwork. Players learn to stay calm under pressure and move as a connected unit instead of relying on individual moments.

This is not easy. It is a long term investment. It takes time, but it builds complete players and stronger teams.

We do not want to play kick it soccer.

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What Is the Most Important Thing in Soccer

Parents often ask what skill their player should focus on. Players wonder what coaches are really looking for.

The answer may surprise you.

It is not just speed.

It is not just technical skill.

It is not even scoring goals.

The most important thing in soccer is mindset.

Mindset is what pushes a player to track back on defense when they are tired.

It is what helps them recover from a mistake and demand the ball again.

It is what turns winter work into springtime confidence.

Technical skills can be taught. Fitness can improve.

But attitude, resilience, and decision making separate good players from great teammates.

As we move from winter into spring, we challenge every player to focus on what truly matters. Work hard. Stay positive. Be coachable. Play for the team.

Talent may win moments, but mindset builds seasons.

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Sideline Conduct and Club Representation

Parents, players, and coaches, please remember that wherever we go, we represent our club and our communities. We are role models for our youth. They see and hear everything.

Please allow coaches to coach, players to play, referees to ref and parents to be our biggest supporters. U.S. Soccer continues to emphasize improving sideline behavior across the country. Referees will not get every call right, but negative reactions never improve the situation.

Let’s be the best fans possible. Cheer loudly. Encourage positively. Enjoy the moments and the journey together.

Parents, your support matters. Please remind your players that every practice is an opportunity to grow. Arriving with a positive attitude, great effort, and respectful behavior sets the standard for our entire club.

If you have not joined our team communication page, please do so. And as always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

I am truly excited for this spring season. Enjoy every moment and every step of the journey.

Wishing you all the best,

Ryan Merrill

President, Old Town Soccer Club

We try to keep our frequently asked questions up to date on this handy PDF. Take a look.

Join the Crew: We Need You!

The Old Town Soccer Club runs on the passion and dedication of our community. To keep our season running smoothly and our players performing their best, we are looking for volunteers to help in the following areas:

Field Operations Crew

Help us maintain the best playing surfaces in the region! Led by Scott Bowlby, this team is responsible for:

Field Lining: Keeping our boundaries sharp and professional.

Mowing & Maintenance: Ensuring the grass is at optimal height for match play.

No experience necessary—Scott will get you up to speed!

Club Promotion & Outreach

Help us grow the Old Town family! We need creative minds to:

Assist with social media updates and community flyering.

Help spread the word about upcoming tryouts and club events to new families.

Sponsorship & Banners

Our sponsors are vital to keeping club costs down. We need a few volunteers to:

Coordinate the installation and maintenance of sponsor banners at the fields.

Help identify and connect with local businesses interested in supporting youth soccer.

How to Sign Up: Please email Nate Wendling at vicepresident@oldtown.soccer to let us know where you’d like to plug in. Whether you have two hours a month or two hours a week, we’d love to have you on the team!